President Donald Trump says the National Rifle Association is a "great organization that loves this country."

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Trump spoke to reporters Friday aboard Air Force One as he flew to Dallas to address the organization's annual convention for the fourth consecutive time.

Trump discussed the unemployment rate and the alleged Russian collusion.

"Unemployment is at the lowest in history," Trump said during his speech.

Trump also said he has a "record crowd" attending the convention. The forum where he is speaking is sold out, with a capacity of about 8,000 people.

The NRA won't have exact figures on how many people attend the convention until later. Spokesman Jason Brown says its estimate that more than 70,000 people will attend is based on a variety of factors. The record is 86,000 in Houston in 2013.

The event is also drawing protests, including by those who lost loved ones to gun violence.